Catalytic converter system and element for diesel engines

Abstract

An improved exhaust system and catalytic converter element for a diesel engine wherein the improvement comprises: holding means for restricting the movement of catalytic converter elements in an overhead exhaust manifold; an improved catalytic converter element having at least one retaining rod extending through the catalyst substrate and/or having at least one retaining lip projecting into the substrate; a stabilizer projecting from the cover for the element insertion slot for receiving an end portion of the catalytic converter element to restrict the movement of the converter element in the exhaust manifold; perforated flow distribution elements provided upstream of the catalytic converter elements; and/or vertical coupling manifolds which each receive exhaust from a pair of engine cylinders and then deliver the combined exhaust stream to a separate one of the inlet openings in the bottom of the overhead exhaust manifold.

1. An apparatus for treating an engine exhaust stream comprising:
 an exhaust manifold; 
 at least one catalytic converter element insertable in said exhaust manifold through an insert opening in said exhaust manifold; 
 a cover positionable on said insert opening for closing said insert opening; and 
 said cover including a stabilizer, 
 
       wherein, when said catalytic converter element is inserted into said exhaust manifold and said cover is positioned on said insert opening, said stabilizer will be received on an outer end portion of said catalytic converter element in a manner effective for at least restricting movement of said catalytic converter element in said exhaust manifold and 
       said apparatus further comprises at least one contacting strip attached to said outer end portion of said catalytic converter element such that said stabilizer will contact said contacting strip in a manner effective for providing increased frictional resistance between said stabilizer and said outer end portion of said catalytic converter element. 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said stabilizer comprises an elongate C-channel for receiving said outer end portion of said catalytic converter element.